Dairy cattle don't have a reputation as being dangerous farm animals because they're handled frequently and are usually placid. Despite their easy-going nature, dairy animals have the potential to seriously hurt or kill humans, so it's important to understand how they perceive their surroundings and how to handle them.

Are cows aggressive to humans?

For the most part, cows are friendly, curious animals. Much of their behavior depends on how often they interact with people, how they were raised, if they feel threatened or scared and if they have something to protect. ... A bull (male cow) is more likely to be aggressive as a natural defense.

Can cows attack you?

Make sure this doesn't happen to you

Most members of the public are wary of bulls, but fewer realise that cows, particularly those protecting newly-born calves, can also be dangerous. While such attacks are relatively rare, nationwide there were 12 people killed between 2008 and 2014.